Manali, the most famous destination in Himachal Pradesh state boasts the
Hidimbi Devi Temple. Also known as the Hadimba Temple, it is located in
Manali village, about two kilometres from the town. The temple is famous
for Phaghi fair which is held here in honour of Manu Maharaj, on the sixth
day of Phalgun.

The temple is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi
Devi. Legend says that, during Pandav's exile , they came to the territory
of Hadimb who ruled the area. Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers fell
in love with Hidimbi, the sister of the ruler. Bhima, killed Hadimb and
married Hidimba and they gave birth to a son Ghatotkacha. When Pandavas
returned from exile, Hidimba stayed back and performed penance. It is
believed that in this cave Hidimba did penance and attained the status
of a goddess. This temple is the most popular among Hidimba temples.

The temple is a lovely temple made of wooden thatch roofs,
surrounded by very green forest area with lot of Deodar trees making it
very calm place. Since, the temple is located in the middle of a forest
called the Dhungiri Van Vihar it is also known as Dhoongri temple. `Dhoongri'
means rock.

One of the most prominent tourist attractions and a must
visit temple in Manali, it is at walkable distance from Manali Market.
The road to this temple goes through oak and deodars.

It was built in 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh, a Kullu
king. Built around a small natural cave, the temple is believed to enshrine
the footprints of Goddess Hadimba. A massive rock inside the temple and
it is believed that Hadimba meditated on this rock. On it, a 7.5 cm tall
brass image representing goddess Hidimba Devi.

The temple is a four story wooden structure, built in
the Buddhist pagoda style of architecture. It has a 24 meters tall wooden
shikhar or tower above the sanctuary consists of 3 square roof which is
constructed of narrow wooden planks, one over the other. The three lower
ones are in the form projecting canopies. A large brass cone shaped roof
surmounted at the top. The interesting thing about this temple is that
it does not contain any idol, but an imprint of the feet of the goddess
carved on a block of stone and the goddess is worshpped in this form.

The wooden door frame is ornamented with the carvings
of miniature depictions of goddess, attendants and symbols. On the beams
above the doorway has Navagraha panels, female dancers a scene from the
Krishna story. The uppermost part is decorated with the motif of Buddhist
characters. The goddess Durga forms the theme of the main door carvings.

To seek Hidimbi Devi's blessings, devotees sacrifice
a buffalo at the temple, prior to every coronation.

The temple is also one of the few temples where animal
sacrifice is still in vogue. Goats are sacrificed during Dussehra festival
(‘Ghor Pooja’) and the horns of the goats adorn the outer temple walls.
Hadimba Devi is also a very important deity in the Dussehra celebrations
and the festival cannot start without her arrival from Manali.

The annual fair remembering Raja Bahadur Singh, who built
the temple is held on the first of Savan every year. This fair is known
as the Bahadur Singh Re Jatar. This Mela is also called as Saroohni. There
is another fair too which is held on 14th May each year in the celebration
of birthday of Hadimba Devi. Women around and from Dhungri forest come
and Go to Top celebrates this fair with music and dance. This Mela is
lasts for three days.

Temple Timings : It is open all days of the week from
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A rope hangs down in front of the rock,and according
to a legend, those days hands of sinners would be tied to this rope and
sinners would be pushed hard swinging against the rock. For visitors,
there are benches around the temple premises where one can relax and enjoy
the peaceful atmosphere. One can also head to the nearby market and purchase
some beautiful Himachali shawls.

The Ghatotkutch Temple, dedicated to Ghatotkacha, the
only son of Hidimba Devi and Bhima is just a little walk away is also
worth the visit. One can see unique presentations of the horns of buffalos
by devotees to Gatotkajha. People can enjoy a Yak ride at temple premises.
Rs. 50/-.

Near the entrance of the temple one get chance to take
pictures in traditional Himachal dress for a small amount of Rs. 30/-
per person. Also, one get chance to take pictures with a rabbit or a yak.
There is also a Fun park near Hadimba Temple.

Note : The temple is at a distance of only 1.5 kms from
the town, but during peak season i.e; in summer season, Manali is jammed
with vehicles and one need to prepare for traffic jams. So, it is better
to visit this temple early in morning to avoid rush.